Siobhan Benita launches her manifesto in Hackney

Independent candidate Siobhan Benita

Independent mayoral candidate Siobhan Benita was in Hackney this lunchtime to launch her manifesto to be mayor of London. A manifesto which covers all topics, despite what some might say she is not a single issue candidate but putting forward a credible platform and alternative for London. Speaking to the media and supporters at Brooke House Sixth Form College, Hackney, Mrs Benita said:

“I’m delighted to be launching my full manifesto today and demonstrating that I have strong and creative ideas across all policy areas. I may be an independent candidate, but that doesn’t mean I am a single issue candidate. My manifesto demonstrates that I can challenge the main stream political parties from the thoughtful centre and not the wilder extremes, as one political commentator correctly put it”.

“My policies show that I have a very social agenda at heart aimed at improving opportunities for all Londoners. But at the same time I don’t shy away from the tough commercial decisions that are in the best interests of London.”


The headline pledges from Siobhan Benita are as follows:

1. A new fixed-price housing market for London. Delivering 80,000 low cost new homes which will never be sold into the private market. 

2. Making education and youth a mayoral priority - appointing an education commissioner; building 167 new Primary Schools, limited to two forms of entry each year; appoint a Youth Mayor paid for out of my own salary. Restore parents’ faith in the education system, give young people a stake in our city and end the thoughtless demonization of London’s youth.

3. A new era for London’s libraries – protect, support and improve libraries across London making them attractive places that every Londoner can enjoy. In a Benita London, every child will be given a library card through their school. 

4. Set up a full independent review of the Metropolitan police - to cut out inefficiency and discrimination from the police force and nurture mutual respect and support between the public and the MET.

5. Transport – freeze fares until April 2014; reduce fares for those looking for work or on low income; extend tubes for an extra hour at weekends. 

6. Make City Hall accountable – establish an Office of Budget Responsibility for London to bring in better financial management and permanently end vanity projects; hold weekly press meetings and fortnightly public meetings 

7. Support a third runway for Heathrow, delivering 60,000 jobs to London and billions the economy. Enforce on airlines strict noise and emission caps .